The Types of Tea : The variety and what do they taste like?

The world of tea holds countless wonders, both for purists and beginners alike! Can you believe that all the different types of tea come from the same mother plant! Be it the splendor of Black Teas or a sprightly Turmeric Tea, there's something for everyone. Read the best guide there is to knowing the varieties of Tea and what do they taste like.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage on earth, after water. Tea has been around for thousands of years where one can trace back its history and origin to ancient cultures in Asia. It has made its way, evolved alongside the human civilization and now there are so many types of tea, all with their unique set of incredible health benefits, and a world of lively, sumptuous flavors.

Tea is a preferred choice of caffeine for many. While Black teas, green teas, and Matcha have less caffeine than coffee, several teas are caffeine-free, low-calori but one interesting fact, that all of these teas come from the same mother plant - Camellia Sinensis.

So in this blog, we shall take a look at the types of tea, their origin, and the  wonderful flavors that each tea has to offer.

The Varieties of Tea

There are several tea varieties found across the globe, but we are going to take a look at the most common tea varieties that are more widely consumed. Although all tea comes from the same mother plant, Camellia Sinensis, different varieties of the tea are made using a careful play of the process of Oxidation. Read more about the process of oxidation and how it is done in detail in our ‘Black Tea Vs Green Tea’ blog. 

Now let us learn about different kinds of tea available.  All the varieties of teas mentioned below share their origins in China, but differ in the way they are harvested, processed and also have some unique properties.

Black Teas

Harvested from the leaves and buds of the mother plant- Camellia Sinensis, Black Teas are fully oxidized teas, in which the tea leaves have been oxidized, which turns the green color to a dark copper color. These oxidized leaves are then fired/baked to reduce the moisture content to 3% - 4%, which also contributes to its black color. Black teas are primarily grown in China and India, in addition to some other countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya and Vietnam.

Indian black teas are usually bolder and have a nuanced flavor profile, as compared to Chinese black teas. The two most popular kinds of Indian black teas are Assam Black Teas and Darjeeling Black Teas. 

Flavor profile : Black teas have a nuanced flavor profile and can have malty or smoky notes. They can flavors that earthy, nutty, caramel-like, fruity and nutty as well.

Green Teas

Green Teas are made using the leaves of the tea plant - Camellia Sinensis and they offer a liquor that ranges between pale yellow to pale green. They have a rich vegetal taste and have wonderful herbaceous flavors with a milder caffeine content than black teas. As opposed to black teas, green teas are not oxidized and hence retain their natural green color. They go for a quick heat treatment in which the tea enzyme is destroyed before being processed further.

Flavor profile : Green Tea has a flavor profile that can vary from being grassy and pan-fired, to being sweet, vegetal and reminiscent of steamed greens. If you follow the brewing instructions well, green tea will have very minimal astringency and a light-colored liquor.

Matcha Teas 

Matcha, derived from shade-grown tea leaves ground into a fine powder, offers a vibrant green infusion. It boasts a unique, umami-rich flavor profile, distinguishing it from other green teas. The preparation involves whisking the powdered tea with hot water, resulting in a frothy, velvety texture. Matcha is renowned for its invigorating properties and is often celebrated in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Flavor profile: It boasts a unique, umami-rich and flavorful profile, with a perfect balance of sweetness and slight bitterness, distinguishing it from other green teas.

Pu-erh Teas

Pu-erh tea, a fermented dark tea from Yunnan, China, undergoes a unique aging process.. Unlike green teas, Pu-erh undergoes post-fermentation, enhancing its depth and richness over time. Often compressed into cakes or bricks, Pu-erh is cherished for its bold taste.

Flavor profile: The leaves develop a complex, earthy flavor with a smooth, mellow character and the tea is mostly consumed for its unique rich, and bold flavor.

Purple Teas

Purple tea, hailing from Kenya, exhibits striking purple-hued leaves due to anthocyanin content. With potential positive effects, purple tea stands out as visually and is also a flavorfully distinct member of the tea family.

Flavor profile:  This unique tea offers a delicate balance of floral and fruity notes, accompanied by a mild, refreshing taste.

Mate Teas

Mate tea, popular in South America, is crafted from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. Unlike traditional teas, mate contains caffeine and theobromine, offering a unique stimulant profile. Often enjoyed socially from a shared gourd, mate tea is a symbol of camaraderie in many cultures.

Flavor profile: Known for their robust and earthy flavor, Mate teas have a hint of smokiness.

Rooibos Teas

Rooibos tea, native to South Africa, is caffeine-free and known for its reddish-brown infusion. This herbal tea has gained popularity as a caffeine-free alternative. Rooibos varieties include blends with herbs, fruits, and spices, offering a diverse range of delightful options.

Flavor profile: With a naturally sweet, nutty, and flavorful profile, rooibos provides a smooth and soothing experience.

White Teas

White teas are one of the least processed teas in the world of teas. One of the rarest teas in the world, they are are harvested from fresh, tender buds that appear when the tea leaves have not even opened fully. The young tender buds are covered with white hairs which are responsible for the characteristic white color of these teas and the name as well. They are steamed or fried to prevent the oxidation process. 

White teas have a lower caffeine content than Black and Green teas.

Flavor Profile : White teas boast of floral, grassy or honey-like notes. The aromatic notes of white teas can be reminiscent of apricot, vanilla, herbs and are usually very delicate.

Oolong Teas

Oolong teas are made by partially oxidizing the leaves and buds of Camellia Sinensis. The oxidation levels can range anywhere between 10-80%. Oolong teas fall in between black and green teas in terms of being oxidized, and can offer a pale yellow to a rich amber-like liquor. Some rare Oolong teas are then hand-rolled which also helps in unlocking nuanced flavors and aromas of these ambrosian teas. 

Flavor Profile : Oolong teas can have a variety of flavors, depending on how much the tea has been oxidized. The flavor notes can range from floral to grassy, and subtly sweet to toasty.

Herbal Teas or Herbal Tisanes

Herbal Teas are a concoction of one or more herbs, spices, florals, or other botanicals that are brewed in hot water. The term ‘teas’ attached here is a misnomer as herbal teas don’t contain any tea at all, but are only made of botanical ingredients. 

Flavor Profile : It totally depends on what herbs, florals or spices are being used in the blend. Turmeric Teas, for instance, will have earthy and spiced flavors. Ginger teas have a sweet and spicy flavors. Some tisanes like Chamomile Tea and Hibiscus Tea have sweet or tangy flavor notes.

Whatever be your need or preference, the world of teas has so much to offer. We sincerely hope you enjoy reading this guide and come back for more. Tell us what your favorite type of tea is and why, in the comments below.

Until next time,

Cheers!

Mayuri Ghosh

Editor-in-Chief | Vahdam India

Write to me at mayuri@vahdamteas.com